A.B.N 40 008 585 135 NEWS SHEET files/jan07nsheet.pdfGoat Industry Council of Australia president and Victor Harbour meat, dairy and mohair goats’ producer Denise Riches said the

January 2007

Mohair Australia Limited A.B.N 40 008 585 135

NEWS SHEETNEWS SHEET

What’s On... Sale Season Gets Underway The 9th New Mohair Angora sale held at Weethalle on Saturday 13th January was the first sale of the new season. Although attendance was down on previous years, vendor, Keith Cowen remained philosophical saying that at least it presented the opportunity for producers to get together and “if I sell a few (angoras), then that’s OK too”. He described the lack of support from interstate buyers as disappointing but understood that many are not able to travel due to heat, fuel costs and bushfires. Seven bidder numbers were issued with one telephone bidder also operating.

Twelve of the 30 animals offered for sale, sold on the day, with Keith saying he is confident that the 10 remaining bucks would sell in the weeks to come. The sale average price for Bucks was $640 whilst the average for does was $428. The top priced buck

was Yarran Park 1529 a fine 16 month old buck that tested at 23.5 micron, which sold to Norm McCrea of Wagga for $1300.00. Bidding on some of the does was well contested and the top priced doe, Yarran Park 1563 realised $800 and was one of three sold to Mandy Statham of Willow Glen Angoras. The excellent support Keith received from family members once again saw all who attended have a good day and some stayed on to enjoy a Barbeque and social evening with Keith and family. The second sale of the season by Topbok/Phezulu and Cawoodhome Australia is scheduled for Sunday 21st January at Cowra. A report on this sale will be available next issue.

Inside this issue …….

Contacts 2

Goat industry guards against dis-ease

3

News From Regions and Divisions

4

From the Board 5

Stock Water Issues 6, 7

News Bits n Pieces 8

When Classing 10

NATS Programme 11

January 2007 27th NSW Division Meeting—Goulburn 28th—Diamond Fibre Show Bathurst Showground Contact Diana Booby 02 6337 3864 February 2007 3rd - Berry Show - sections for Angora, Boer and Dairy goats. Contact Jim Brieler (02) 4464 1047 or email Theresa Mitchell on [email protected] 16-18th—Australasian—New V e n u e — B e n d i g o Showgrounds. Contact Tim Ferguson 03 5083 3250 18th—Hunter Feature Show—See Page 4 24th— Berwick Vic Ag Show Contact Margaret Nicholls on (03) 5146 4564 for the Angora Goat section March 2007 2,3 & 4th—NATS Goulburn Contact Nick Gorrie Mob. 0409 129 070 9th—WA Division meeting Wagin. Contact 08 9574 7090 9th—10th—Wagin Woolarama Wagin WA contact Kerry Tacken - Ph. (08) 9861 1611 Or Sue Jordan 08 9574 7090 9th-11th—South African Nat iona l Moha i r Day/ Weekend Port Elizabeth Sth Africa. July 2007 13-14th—Mudgee Small Farms Field Days

INFORMATION THAT MOHAIR PRODUCERS NEED TO KNOW

Auctioneer Peter Eccleston is assisted by Stewart Thomson to sell animals at the Yarran Park and Yandiah Sale.

Photo: C McCormick

Mohair Australia Limited

DIVISION/REGION PRESIDENTS (not on the Board above)

MOHAIR AUSTRALIA BOARD MEMBERS Andrew Gossip

Breed Development and Standards Website Co-ordinator

‘Killarney‘ Glenerin Road CROOKWELL NSW 2583

Phone/Fax: (02) 4836 7225 Mobile: 0431 474 554

Email: [email protected]

David Williams Trader

1/81-85 Orrong Cres Caulfield Nth Vic 3161

Phone: (03) 9527 2640 Fax: (03) 9527 6221

Mobile: 0419 352 399 Email: [email protected]

Greg Petersen

Industry Promotion and Communication ‘Glen Vimy Cottage’ River Road

HAHNDORF SA 5245 Phone: (08) 8388 1767


Doug Nicholls President & Government Liaison

P O Box 323 BERWICK VIC 3806 Phone/Fax: (03) 9707 1472 (AH)

Fax: (03) 9707 3255 (BH) Mobile: 0417 500 053


Dr Susan Jordan Jnr Vice President/Company Secretary

Lot 75 Berry Road GIDGEGANNUP WA 6083 Phone: (08) 9574 7090 Mobile: 0409 743 968


Graham Dau Breed Development & Standards

17 Reuchle Rd GLENCOE QLD 4352 Phone: (07) 4630 0250

Fax: (07) 4630 0236 Mobile: 0418 716 670


FULL PAGE ……..$150.00 HALF PAGE……...$ 75.00 QUARTER PAGE..$ 40.00

EIGHTH PAGE OR SMALL BLOCK ………. $20.00

BREEDERS DIRECTORY $10.00

QUEENSLAND Division President Graham Dau

SOUTH AUSTRALIA Division President Greg Peterson

TASMANIA Division President Brian Smith

OFFICE CONTACT DETAILS Hours – Tuesday to Friday 10am to 4pm –

Care – Closed Mondays Mohair Australia Limited P O Box 22, 147 East Street,

NARRANDERA NSW 2700 Phone: (02) 6959 2069 Fax: (02) 6959 1817

email: [email protected] website www.mohair.org.au

Tom Harmsworth Education

"Kurburn Park" 163 Horsham Noradjuha Rd

VECTIS VIC 3401 Ph: 03 5381 1321 Fax: 03 5382 1624

Steve Roots

Snr Vice President/Treasurer & Office Administration

P O Box 79 MOLONG NSW 2866 Phone: (02) 6366 9444 Mobile: 0428 378 660


Tim Hamblin Commercial Production

38 Rowbotham St Toowoomba QLD 4350

Ph: 07 4613 6022 Mobile: 0428 910 100

Email [email protected]

Brian Smith

Industry Promotion & Communication

Neethorp Angoras 215 Gillingbrook Road FORCETT TAS 7173

Phone: (03) 6233 7053 Fax: (03) 6233 2437

Mobile : 0418 303 875 Email [email protected]

Western Region Leonie Scott ‘Glenroy’ Loombah Road YEOVAL NSW 2868 Phone: (02) 6846 4178 Email: [email protected] Hunter Region Dave Richards 2234 Glendonbrook Road GRESFORD NSW 2337 Phone: (02) 4938 9583 Fax: (02) 4938 9133 Email: [email protected] South Eastern Ron Harris ‘Currajong Common’ Burragate VIA BEGA NSW 2550 Phone/Fax: (02) 6496 7174 Email: [email protected]

WESTERN AUSTRALIA Acting Division President Jane Orchard Redmond Farm Redmond WA 6327 Phone 08 9845 3139 Email: [email protected]

VICTORIA Division President Doug Nicholls East Central Region Margaret Nicholls P O Box 323 BERWICK VIC 3806 Phone/Fax: (03) 9707 1472 Gippsland Region North Central Region Doug San Miguel ‘Wildwood Angora Stud’ RSD 2170 Nagambie Road SOUTH HEATHCOTE VIC 3523 Phone: (03) 5433 2930 North East Region Geoff James RMB 3105 Bridge Creek VIA MANSFIELD VIC 3722 Phone: (03) 5776 9585 Western Region Tom Harmsworth

NEW SOUTH WALES Division President Bill Smith ‘Inwood’ Lindsay Road NORTH ROTHBURY NSW 2335 Phone: (02) 4938 7536 Fax: (02) 4938 7555 [email protected] Central Region Doug Stapleton Cudal Mohair Stud ‘Gundamain’ CUDAL NSW 2864 Phone: (02) 6364 2132 Fax: (02) 6364 2323 Email: [email protected] Eastern Region David Payne ‘Bernelea’ Lot 3 Wombeyan Caves Road Mittagong 2575 Phone 02 4878 5555 [email protected] Riverina Region Keith Cowen ‘Yarran Park’ WEETHALLE NSW 2669 Phone: (02) 6975 6239 Email: [email protected]

ADVERTISING RATES PER EDITION

Page 2

News Sheet Editorial

Committee

D Nicholls S Roots S Jordan

Mohair Australia Limited Page 3

Animal Health Australia PRESS RELEASE - 18 December 2006

Goat Industry Guards Against Potential Disease Outbreak Goat producers are now putting practices into place to significantly reduce the risk of disease outbreaks, such as isolating new stock on arrival and vigilantly checking animals for disease symptoms. Goat Industry Council of Australia president and Victor Harbour meat, dairy and mohair goats’ producer Denise Riches said the industry’s willingness and ability to implement good practices is growing rapidly with an increased awareness for the worldwide demand for food safety. “There is high awareness and support for good practices, particularly when it comes to watching for unusual disease symptoms in animals and rapid reporting,” said Ms Riches. “By following some straightforward practices to prevent a disease outbreak, we are protecting our livestock and essentially, our expanding world markets,’ Ms Riches said. Practices such as insisting on a health declaration when purchasing new stock and isolating and monitoring that stock for a week all contribute to protecting goats from emergency animal disease outbreaks. “With the increasing demand for food safety and integrity, both here and overseas, it is imperative we take appropriate disease prevention measures.” Animal Health Australia and the Goat Industry Council of Australia encourage all producers to put into place good practices. If they do spot any unusual behaviour, disease symptoms or unexpected deaths in their herds, they should immediately call their vet or the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888. For further information, please contact Ruth Redfern at Sefton & Associates on (02) 6742 6655 or 0408 476 341. Further information is also available at www. animalhealthaustralia .com.au

When the drought is over and you need stock

YOU KNOW WHERE TO COME!

We won’t be having a formal sale this year but

we do have our usual performance catalogue and we are offering over 60 does ($50 shorn) and

15 bucks ($300) on a first come basis.

ALAMO / CUDAL

MOHAIR STUDS

Cudal NSW

Contact, Doug Stapleton 02 63642132 or [email protected]

(Or log on to www.mohair.org.au for catalogue)

NATIONAL MOHAIR POOL Tel: 02, 6364 2097, 02. 6364 2132,

Mob 0429 600 101

Still leading the way in using measurement technology to maximise growers’ returns

$11.50/kg average and 100% clearance Nov 24, 2006

All at National Mohair Pool wish growers a

Happy Christmas and a wetter 2007

For assistance or advice over the holiday sea-son, contact Doug on 02. 6364 2132 or Shayne

on 0429 600 101

AUSTRALIA’S PREMIER MOHAIR BROKER

A fully tested and fully reported selling sys-tem, since 1980


HUNTER FEATURE ANGORA GOAT SHOW Maitland Showgrounds, Hunter Valley NSW 18th February 2007—Entries close Friday 9 February. Enquiries to Sandie Smith 02 4938 7536 -Please note Sunday judging!

Photo—J Hall

WHO CAUSED THE DESERTS ? The following is an article which appears in the latest ‘Genelink Livestock Newsletter’ that is written and edited by Denis Russell from South Australia, which has come to us from Mick Doak of Western Australia.

“I often tell a yarn about an old professor from Waite research institute in South Australia. I remember him as Professor McPharlan but that may not be correct after 30 years – and the old guy is long dead” “He was a quiet spoken bloke with a lifetime of research and spoke at an Angora Goat conference about metabolic rates in animals and was a fascinating speaker. His opening comments were about desertification and some of the reasons – he was the first one I met that did not blame Goats, Camels and Donkeys for the modern deserts – he explained that the desert was probably from moving rainfall patterns and possibly overgrazing by human managers and that the goats, donkeys and camels were the only animals left that could survive in that environment because of their low metabolic rate – he also included fat tail sheep in that mix.” “He had a passion for Camels because of their adjustment to that environment and all they could provide for the tribal people in the desert regions – he named it the ultimate survival machine with the lowest metabolic rate. He also warned that the main issue facing humanity in general was not running out of resources but running out of water and predicted that Australia would be dire straight within 50 years (looks like we are 20 years early in some regions)” “ The other little gem he left us with was that while the desert supports fat tail sheep because of their low metabolic rate there were two other breeds that showed up in the trial work as having a much lower metabolic rate than other British and European breeds, indicating some fat tail ancestry – That was the original Dorset Horn and Australian Merino. History tells us that the Merino would have some Cape fat tail (Afrikaner) ancestry and the suggestion was that some fat tailed sheep from North Africa found their way to England to influence the Dorset Horn. So it is no wonder the Dorset Horn found its way to South Africa and to the crossbreeding program that provided us with the Dorper sheep – it was the only imported breed that could manage at some level in the harder environment” LOW & HIGH METABOLIC RATES

With the importation of African breeds of sheep and goats into Australia some years ago we hear discussions on the Metabolic rates of animals. Following is part of an article “ So keep it simple – with sheep” written by Denis Russell. Probably the Persian sheep has the lowest metabolic rate followed closely by the Van Rooy and then other types like Afrikaner and Damara. Feral goats are somewhere after that. Low metabolic rate is usually indicated by the ability to utilise low quality grazing, the tendency to lay down fat before any muscle growth. The ability to breed during shortages, low water intake, the ability to use high salinity water sources, small birth weights, light frame size, usually a narrow body to aid dispersal of core heat, early maturity and low mature weight – they have the ability to get quite big in conditions where they are not challenged but it does take some time. Usually returns good per hectare with higher than average stocking rate. High metabolic rate sheep and goats include, East Friesian, Poll Dorset, White Suffolk and Texel sheep and Boer Goats. Indications are they require higher quality feed with more quantity and higher protein/energy levels to finish, they are later maturing, have a tendency to leaner carcass and lay down fat only after maturity, are larger lambs, have a high mature body weight, are inclined to lose condition in dry times ( even each summer when protein content drops) The Boer Goat is a contender for this group due to it’s large body mass and failure to thrive if grazing volume and protein are not adequate. (These are just generalisations to get the concept across and not meant to start some debate about each breeds place on the list.)


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FORWARD YOUR MOHAIR TO US THROUGH OUR DEPOTS—

contact us for details

Full bales (160kgs and heavier) no freight charge. To facilitate ease of handling, please consolidate all bags

into one (or more) bag or wool pack. Ensure all bags, bales are clearly marked.

RECIPE—(Courtesy Mick Doak WA) GOAT OR LAMB IN THE GREEK STYLE – FINGER LICKING GOOD Using Goat or Dorper, Damara, Van Rooy hybrid lamb When cutting up (or get the butcher to do it) lamb take generous cut of shanks and cut through the bone in a couple of places – split the whole neck down the middle and into about 6 pieces. Any end bits or chop odd-ments can be used or if really into volume catering, cut a whole forequarter into chunky bits. Into a baking dish spread out the pieces and add a dribble of olive oil some garlic and season (salt & pepper ) and oregano. Slide into the oven and cook until shanks separate from the bone – OK that means its cooked. Drain fat off. Drop the lot into a suitable saucepan and add your favourite spaghetti sauce. Simmer for 20 minutes to allow a bit of sauce penetration. This can be served with some Jasmine rice, or noodles, or mashed spuds or just by its self. Instead of the spaghetti sauce you can use your favourite sauce, Red Wine & Basil, Herb & Garlic etc from your local supermarket.

(Thanks to Denis Russell for the above which we have also tried and is now one of my favourites)

FROM THE BOARD….. 1. In a further decision regarding the

progression of the Steve Chaffey project, Biz Mod for Mohair it was decided that the most economical way of training the representatives who were nominated from each state will be on a one-to-one basis. This is anticipated to roll out progressively over the next few months with Mr Chaffey arranging these sessions directly with participants.

2. Coming up in the next few months are a number of shows and sale. The Board hopes that everyone will make the effort to attend some of these activities and take the opportunity to look at other breeders goats and most importantly the chance of good conversation. Attend the dinners and have fun.

3. Many breeders may have heard that Tom Harmsworth (Victorian delegate on the Board) recently suffered a set back to his recovery from surgery last year. He is again back in hospital and I am sure everyone will want to join with the Board in wishing Tom a speedy recovery.

The Board extends to all it's

members and friends a Happy New Year.


Stock Water Issues

It is important for both animal production and animal welfare that goats and other stock have an adequate supply of good quality water. With many areas experiencing shortages of stock water, the following note covers issues relating to the supply of water and assistance measure currently available.

Quantity

Firstly it is important to know how much stock water you have on hand and that is available to stock. Planning how you will manage declining stock water is important – you will have more options by acting before stock water levels become critical. Assess the amount of water you have available, considering:

· Quantity of water in on-farm storage, dams, tanks, etc. Information on calculating the volume of water in dams is available from the relevant Departments of Primary Industries.

· Likely pumping rates from bores and wells – taking into account that some bore flows may decrease under drought conditions.

· An allowance for evaporation losses, particularly under prolonged dry conditions.

· Past experiences during droughts – spring flows under dry conditions, etc.

A water budget may assist in forecasting if stock water is likely to run out. If you believe you are likely to run short of stock wa-ter, take action now. Budgeting for water supply must make allowance for high levels of evaporation of water and seepage from dams. In most parts of Australia about 1.5—2 metres of depth is evaporated from dams per year. Contact your local De-partment of Primary Industries or rural water authority to determine your options.

Water requirements of stock

Daily water intake varies widely among different ages and production levels of dairy cattle, and is influenced by climate and the type of feed being consumed.

• Weaners 4 – 6 litres per day

• Adult dry goat 5—7 litres per day

• Doe with Kid 5—10 litres per day

The amounts of water required by goats increases with hot weather, humidity and an increase in the intake of dry feeds.

· Water consumption can increase by 80% in extremely hot conditions:

o As the air temperature rises above 25°C, water consumption rises sharply due to sweating, panting and evaporative cooling, and can be as much as double

· Goats obtain water not only from drinking water but also from water contained in feed. During drought feeding, stock may require more water as they are forced to select more fibrous and less digestible feed.

Water quality is extremely important for both animal production and maintenance. Problems with water quality can impact on production, and can be due to a number of factors – if there is doubt about the suitability of a water supply for goats, have the water tested by an accredited laboratory. Identification of any water quality problems may give you an opportunity to correct them.

Salinity (total dissolved solids) is the most common factor affecting water quality. Total dissolved solids (TDS) is a measure of all inorganic salts dissolved in water and also includes other dissolved substances such as organic compounds, when present. The following guidelines should be used to assess whether water is suitable for dairy cattle consumption:

Suggested maximum desirable level of salinity in water provided to stock consuming dry pasture, hay or grain

Class of animal Goat (Scarlett 2002) TDS, mg/l Young 7,000* Dry Adult 14,000* Lactating Female 10,000* *When fed diets with salty plant material such as saltbush, blue bush or copper burr these salinity levels should be reduced by 30%

Carried forward to next page..

Page 7 Mohair Australia Limited

· NSW – Transport Subsidies: 50% subsidy on the cost of transporting stock (and domestic) water (www.dpi.nsw.gov.au);

· Queensland – Drought Relief Assistance Scheme: provides freight subsidy for transport of stock drinking water (www.dpi.qld.gov.au);

· WA – 2006 Dry Season Assistance Scheme: Grants up to $7,500 for eligible expenditure on water and its transport, and water enhancement (dam cleaning, piping, etc.) (www.agric.wa.gov.au)

Collated by C McCormick from the following references ; RIRDC Water quality and provision for goats by B A MacGregor (March 2004); Vic DPI Website—Code of accepted farming practice for the welfare of goats-AG0591- Bureau of Animal Welfare, Attwood- August, 2001 NSW Agriculture—AG Facts A7.5.3 1991 Drought Feeding of Goats. The Australian Dairy Cattle Association website

Enough trough space should be provided so that 10% of animals can drink at any one time, or 15 metres of trough edge for 500 goats.

Animals will not be able to drink if the water temperature in troughs is too high. Exposed black polythene pipe will add to the water temperature significantly during the summer months.

Where provisions for health and vitality cannot be met, goats should be moved, agisted, sold or slaughtered humanely on site. Drought-affected goats are highly susceptible to stress and require careful handling:

• if they are unable to rise and walk, they must be destroyed humanely on site;

• if they go down after limited exercise, they are not fit to travel, and should be fed to improve condition or, alternatively, be slaughtered humanely on site;

• if they are still able to walk but in an emaciated condition, and for which supplementary feed or agistment is not available, they should be sent directly to a knackery, rendering works or abattoir, as close as possible to their on-farm location, or slaughtered humanely on site; they should not be consigned to saleyards.

Options for assistance in accessing stock water, in drought declared areas:

Some states provide payments to support access to stock water under their drought assistance measures:

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The young couple invited their elderly neighbour for Sunday dinner. While they were in the kitchen preparing the meal, the farmer asked their son what they were having. "Goat," the little boy replied. "Goat?" replied the startled old farmer, "Are you sure about that?" "Yep," said the youngster. "I heard Dad say to Mum, 'Today is just as good as any to have the old goat for dinner.'


Mohair a hot topic at Rotary On 29th November Mohair Australia Liaison and Promotions Officer, Justine Hall was invited to speak at the Narrandera Rotary monthly dinner meeting. Her topic of the ‘Mohair Industry in Australia’ kept the audience entertained and question time yielded many specific production question from farmers and business people alike. A rewarding outcome of the meeting was that at least three people in the audience were keen to investigate running angoras on their properties in the future. Among those present at the meeting were - a member of the Murrumbidgee Agricultural Institute at Yanco, a member of the Sheep Meat Council of Australia, local farmers and business people.

UK Producers visit office in Narrandera Tanya and Errina Rogers, daughter and grand-daughter of prominent UK mohair producers, Anne and Mal Rogers from Glanhirin Farm at Rhayader in Mid Wales, called into the office at Narrandera as part of an Australian holiday on 19th December. Tanya, her daughter and travelling companion, Liz Jones are known to ex UK and now Australian producers, Reg and Gill Scott of The Oaks NSW. During their very busy visit to this country they have found time to visit the property of Ian, Andrew and Heather Gossip at Crookwell and were astounded at the dry condition of the countryside after a recent stay in Cairns and Sydney under rainy skies. Tanya

L to R: Liz Jones of Aberystwyth in Wales , Errina Rogers and Tanya Rogers, mohair producers from Wales at the shop in Narrandera last month

and her parents have run up to 200 angoras with 3000 sheep and Cob Horses on 45,000 shared acres on a large estate where unlike Australian Farms, paddocks are shared with neighbours and neighbours co-operate to go out into the paddocks and ’gather’ (muster) and sort the animals as may be required. Mal Rogers, Tanya’s father is a Licensed UK Angora Judge and a member of the British Angora Goat Society and the stud is the oldest established flock in Wales.

The following email was received at Mohair Australia recently…. INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF NATURAL FIBRES 2009 I am pleased to advise you that the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York, on the after-noon of Wednesday 20 December, endorsed a resolution proclaiming 2009 to be the International Year of Natural Fibres. See the FAO (Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations) press release on the FAO web-site at: http://www.fao.org/ , or go directly to: http://www.fao.org/newsroom/en/news/2006/1000472/index.html My very best wishes for Christmas and the New Year, Brian Moir, Senior Economist (Trade) FAO, Commodities and Trade Division, Room D860 Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, Rome, 00153, Italy Phone: +39 06 57054339Fax: +39 06 57054495 e-mail: [email protected]

Justine Hall with 2006/07 Narrandera Rotary President John Gibson after the November meeting.

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Don’t forget The Mohair Shop

For all your gifts And craft items

this year!

A wide range of blankets, rugs, scarves, wraps,

jumpers, cardigans, teddy bears, hats, bootees, goat milk soap, dyed fibre, knit-

ting yarn, promotional items and much more!

Mail order available Ph 02 6959 2069


AUSTRALIAN MOHAIR MARKETING ORGANISATION

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Fax: (02) 6959 3004 email: [email protected]

Website : www.ausmohair.com.


Here’s something to think about when classing your mohair. As part of the RIRDC project on high specification mohair classing and EGT, a study was made of measured fibre diameter compared to visual fineness class over the first 5 shearing in one flock of Angora goats. Some 1058 fleeces were assessed and measured. The results are perhaps somewhat surprising suggesting that despite claims of visual skills, fleeces from the second and third fleeces in particular (shorn at 12 and 18 months of age), are less variable than visual assessment would sug-gest. Ideally, each line in the graph below should be horizontal. That is, the visual assessment should produce the same measure-ment result at each shearing. Clearly, in this study, it does not. What might be understood from the graph below?

• Virtually all first shearing should have been classed as Fine Kid • If all second shearing fleeces were placed together they would average 26.17um, effectively a Kid line. • The small number of fleeces assessed as FFH from the second shearing were not that strong and actually fell into

the SK range on measurement. • In this case the third shearing average diameter just reached the YG specification and the stronger fleeces assessed

as FFH still averaged under the maximum YG specification. • At the forth shearing there was a greater spread of micron and while fleeces assesed as FH averaged over the 34um

lower limit of FH, the FFH fleeces averaged in the YG range. • In the fifth shearing, fleeces assessed as YG proved not to be that fine, and even the FFH line was over the FFH

limit. What might be concluded?

• Visual assessment is not a good predictor of micron when applied across different age groups. • At the second and third shearing measured fibre diameter was less variable than visual assessment suggested. • By the fifth shearing the visually fine fleeces are actually FFH, not YG, when measured.

Perhaps this study indicates that classers should not place fleeces too far from the expected type at particular ages. Age still has a big effect on measured fibre diameter despite visual assessment. One further point. It has been shown that mid side measurements of fibre diameter underestimate the fineness of the whole skirted fleece by between half and 2 microns. In this flock, the whole second shearing may just have fallen into the KID line, and the whole third shearing would probably have tested in the YG range. From this study it might be concluded that it is appropriate to make not more than 2 lines for each age group based in visual fineness. The assistance of the Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation is acknowledged for funding this work. Doug Stapleton. National Mohair Pool P/L

Effect of Shearing Number on Fineness Classing

20

22

24

26

28

30

32

34

36

38

1 2 3 4 5

Shearing

Mic

ron

um

FKIDKIDSKIDYGFFHFH


Invitation to Exhibit, Sell, Buy and Enjoy NATS 2007

National Angora Trophy Show and Sale

2,3 and 4 March Organised by the NSW Division of Mohair Australia Ltd

ABN 40 008 585 135

Peden Pavillion, Goulburn Showgrounds, Goulburn NSW

FLEECES ANIMALS APPRAISAL PARADERS JUDGES: Mr Ken Sykes Mr Ken Sykes Mr Alan Dunstan Mr Andrew Gossip

NATS WEEKEND PROGRAM


DISCLAIMER

The opinions in this news sheet may not be those of Mohair Australia Ltd. Reported facts may not be true and if this is the case please let Mohair Australia Ltd know and we will try to correct them next time.

Mohair Australia cannot guarantee the claims or offers made in advertising published in this news sheet.

Buyers of goats for slaughter New South Wales

Broken Hill Abattoirs – Ph 1800 669 019 Pat Cuff Livestock – Ph 0427 488 959 PBM Prime Meats - Ph 02 6336 0460

Allan Colley – Ph 02 6892 4158 Phillip Lyn – Ph 0429 323 502

David – Ph 02 9613 1449 or 0411 305 311 Victoria

National Goat Exchange – Ph Ray— 0418 559 773 Ascot Meats – Wodonga – Ph 02 6055 0263 0r

0412 368 200 Game Meats Myrtleford – Ph 03 5756 2999

June Liddy – Ph 03 5382 2811 Jim Kyriakou – Ph 03 9807 4621

Russell – Ph 1300 733 644 South Australia

Pace Trading – Ph 0407 394 110 P & D Exporters – Ph 08 8365 2756

Queensland Kerridale - Ph 07 4623 3336 0r 08 8582 1688 or

02 6892 4126 Western Exporters – Ph 07 4654 3311

Western Australia Independent Livestock – Ph 08 9309 3225 Let us know if you know of any others.

Shearers The following people have indicated their willingness to shear angoras. Please let the office know of any more. Ian Howell – Tasmania (will travel interstate) 03 6339 2806 or mobile 0427 139 199 Jack Alexander – Boorowa NSW – 02 6385 3087 Trevor King – Omeo Vic (will travel) - 03 5159 1415 Bert Adams – Holbrook NSW – 02 6020 5268 Michael Brigg – Condamine QLD – 07 4627 7274 Danny Horton—Leongatha VIC—03 5668 6308 Phil Priest—Griffith NSW 02 6964 4379 Remember – if you only have a small number of animals to shear, coordinate shearing time with other local mohair producers to make it worthwhile for the shearer to travel to your area. Inclusion here is in no way to be construed as

being endorsed or recommended by Mohair Australia Ltd

GICA (Goat Industry Council of Aust.) Contact:

Denise Riches (President) PO Box 1435, Victor Harbour SA 5211

Phone: 08 8552 6704 Fax: 08 85526730

Mobile: 0403 192 253 Email: [email protected]

Animal Health Australia www.animalhelathaustralia.com.au contains information about National livestock diseases and animal health issues. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation (RIRDC) www.rirdc.gov.au Contains reports on research projects relative to our in-dustry Meat and Livestock Australia www.mla.com.au Contains information relative to livestock marketing and research Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) www.daff.gov.au Contains on product integrity, animal and plant health, rural policy and innovation, food and agri-business, levies and revenue service.

Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS) www.aqis.gov.au Contains information regarding quarantine requirements. Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations www.dewr.gov.au Contains information on the pastoral industry awards including shearing rates Cape Mohair and Wool Sth Africa www.cmw.co.za Mohair Sth Africa www.mohair.co.za Texas Angora Goat Raisers Assn http://txangoragoat.com Goats on the Move http://www.mla.com.au/goats/eNewsArchive.htm This newsletter can be read on line or register for free and they will send it out on email as it is issued.

Handy Websites for Goat Producers:

Documents

A.B.N 40 008 585 135 NEWS SHEET files/jan07nsheet.pdfGoat Industry Council of Australia president and Victor Harbour meat, dairy and mohair goats’ producer Denise Riches said the